Disgraceful: Grace Hill library betrayal

The shocking announcement by Kent County Council that Folkestone’s main public library is to close has sent ripples of rage throughout the local community. Politicians are carefully setting our their position ahead of the local elections – just 5 weeks away, with postal votes starting to flow in for the count in less than 3 weeks.

Press coverage is mounting along with the public anger – with a protest already staged on Saturday 25th March and further action planned for next Sunday.

The salient points are:

1. There has been a disgraceful lack of transparency – even local County Councillors seem not to have the full facts
2. No information has been provided setting out the rationale for closure
3. Expensive major works completed less than twelve months ago appear not to have addressed water ingress
4. Without any consultation, Councillors appear to have been progressing discussion on relocation behind closed doors

A community petition is in preparation and a Save Folkestone Library FaceBook page has been set up – click here for the link

Civic voice and community groups are arranging a meeting, with a view to sharing a public statement in protest at the move to close and relocate the unique Grace Hill Library heritage resources and public facilities to other locations.

A spokesperson commented:

“This is a Grade II listed building, which is probably the earliest surviving purpose-built library in the County.  A library is more than a building: it is a symbol of community and learning. 
That is why the threat to Grace Hill is a matter of extreme concern for all of us.”

Officers and elected members should put an immediate halt to any further actions which serve to dismantle the Grace Hill library facilities or determine the future of the building, pending a full and public inquiry.

We demand a public meeting and further information to explain how this situation has been allowed to develop and a full disclosure of all the relevant facts to allow the local community to have a say in the future of Grace Hill.